You could say Alesis knows a thing or two about recording. Countless artists, engineers, and producers have relied on our digital recorders since the introduction of the original “Blackface” ADAT in 1991. Some publications have even claimed that our ADAT recorders started the “home studio revolution” back in the 1990s. We’re proud that our line of affordable tools has made professional-qualityrecording possible for millions of people around the world.

The IO series FireWire interfaces are the next step in Alesis recording technology. Once you work with the IO|14/26, we’re confident you’ll appreciate the outstanding sound quality, superior construction, and attention to detail.

We’re continually delighted by the recordings that have been captured with our products. We hope that your IO|14/26 will be there to inspire and capture your finest performances.

Sincerely,

The People of Alesis

For more effective service and product update notices, please register your IO|14 or IO|26 FireWire interface at http://www.alesis.com/.

5

Introduction

About the IO|14 and IO|26

Our IO|14 and IO|26 audio interfaces are professional-gradetools with everything you need to turn your musical ideas to polished recordings. The two units are virtually identical except that the larger IO|26 has more inputs and outputs than its smaller sibling, the IO|14. The IO|14 and IO|26 feature the following:

•High-speedFireWire (IEEE 1394a) interface for low latency and tons of audio I/O from your computer. The high bandwidth of the FireWire interface allows a single IO|26 to handle 26 inputs and 8 outputs simultaneously (the IO|14 handles 14 inputs and 6 outputs simultaneously).

•Alesis Hardware Direct Monitoring for hassle-freeheadphone mixes in any recording situation. The included software makes setting up mixes a snap.

•Two headphone outputs optimized for the recording engineer and the artist.

•S/PDIF I/O and ADAT inputs to cover all of your digital connectivity needs..

•Inserts on every analog input for patching additional hardware into your signal path.

•Integrated MIDI I/O on standard 5-pinconnectors.

•FireWire bus or AC adapter power.

•Solid construction that’s built for many years of heavy use.

6

Introduction

How to Use This Manual

We know this manual will be an integral part of the experience with your IO 14 or IO|26 interface so we’ve done our best to make it complete, accurate, and helpful for you.

The manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications of the IO audio interface. While it’s a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about audio interfaces may want to use the table of contents to look up specific topics.

Chapter 1: Hardware Overview describes every section of the IO|14/26’s in detail. If you’re not sure about the function of a knob, button, connector, or status light, read this section for clarification.

Chapter 2: Installation (Windows) walks you though the installation of the drivers and included software that accompany the IO|14/26. This section covers ASIO, WDM, and MIDI I/O drivers for the PC.

Technical Specifications covers a variety of technical information that technical users will want to know.

And at the end of this manual you’ll see a glossary of common terms and a page about the IO|14/26’s warranty.

Helpful tips and advice are highlighted in a shaded box like this.

When something important appears in the manual, an exclamation mark (like the one shown at left) will appear with some explanatory text. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when operating the IO|14 and IO|16 interfaces.